The INTERNATIONAL

Golf Digest magazine this week selected the 10th hole at Castle Pines Golf Club as one of America's 18 greatest.

[March, 2000] -- In its March issue, an article entitled "America's Best 18" written by noted author Dan Jenkins and co-authored by golf course architecture editor Ron Whitten features the par 4, 485-yard Jack Nicklaus hole in a two-page picture spread kicking off this month's back nine. Jenkins' front nine was revealed in last month's magazine.

The picturesque 10th has traditionally been one of The INTERNATIONAL's most difficult in each of the past 14 years. And if it wasn't for the fact no average hole scores are maintained against par because of the Modified Stableford scoring system, it would rank as one of the more difficult venues on the PGA TOUR.

That's because it was built as a par 5. Castle Pines founder/president Jack Vickers convinced his friend and architect Jack Vickers that it would be a challenging par 4, however. So, instead, Nicklaus flip-flopped No. 17 to a short (492 yards) par 5 and No. 12 from a par 5 to a tough par 4.

"We are honored," said Vickers. "I like the hole because you've got a variety of conditions there and you must play it differently depending on what you encounter. The second shot is the key and even if you hit a big drive, you've still got a challenge. I've seen everything on a second shot club selection from a 3-iron to an 8-iron, depending on wind. It's a tough hole and it's one of my favorites."

One of the unique aspects of the 10th is the natural beauty surrounding it, including the famous "Castle Rock" in the town by the same name just a few miles south of Castle Pines, as well as Pikes Peak, which is also visible in the background.

"It's one of the prettiest holes anywhere in America," said Castle Pines professional Keith Schneider. "Where else but in Colorado are you going to be hitting your tee shot at Castle Rock and your second shot at Pikes Peak? It's also a really key driving hole because the fairway is narrow. And even though it's a big green, you have no chance of reaching it unless you keep your tee-shot in the fairway."

Says Golf Digest of No. 10:

"From the elevated tee, sweeping downhill to a green nestled right behind a pond-with Pikes Peak looming in the background-this hole looks like a brilliant par 5, and certainly can play like it is.

"Sure, the ball's supposed to go farther in Colorado, but only if you get it in the air. The green mainly accepts a high fade-it's a Nicklaus, remember."

Jenkins originally picked "America's Greatest 18" for Sports Illustrated in 1965. So 35 years later he went back to choose his favorite modern 18. Then he combined the list to pick the "All-Time Best," in which Castle Pines' No. 10 was selected, replacing No. 10 at Winged Foot.

The "All Time Best" list included nine new holes. No. 14 at Muirfield Village replaced Cherry Hills' No. 14, the only other Colorado representative. Among the back nine on the "All-Time" list were No. 12 at Augusta National and No. 18 at Pebble Beach.

For more information e-mail Buddy Martin, International Media Director, at buddyintl@aol.com.
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